Darrell Edwards, supply-chain professor at U. Tennessee and former COO of La-Z-Boy, shares professional wisdom for new graduates in Industry Week (Jan. 14, 2026). Darrell was also our guest on OM Podcast #37, speaking on the topic of global supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Build a Plan To efficiently increase your early career success, have a plan. List your career goals for the first year and your objectives for assimilating successfully into your supply chain role. A widely cited study on goal setting says, “you become 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams simply by writing them down on a daily basis.” Regardless of your career objectives, put your goals on paper, set timelines for their achievement, and review and access them frequently.
2. Attitude Matters Most Most companies will hire and promote aspiring leaders who collaborate well and are good team players with a “can-do” attitude. Of course, you must possess basic managerial and leadership skills, but having a positive attitude goes a long way. Standout qualities could include always coming to work early or typically being the first to volunteer for a necessary but unglamorous project. Companies promote attitudes.
3. Take a Line Job Don’t be afraid to take a job in a warehouse, a factory, or in a logistics hub; it will help accelerate your supply chain career. These skills are critical if you aspire to lead within a supply chain. It’s unlikely you will be able to land a significant corporate role in supply chain leadership without having also worked a line job.
4. Know the Business It’s OK if you don’t know all the specifics of the business when you start a role; as a new leader, you’re not expected to. That doesn’t give you a free pass not to learn it, and quickly. Refine your skills in areas you understand but aggressively throw yourself into supply chain functions where you are weak.
5. Find a Mentor. A mentor can help shorten the cultural learning curve and help you navigate the company “landmines.” A mentor is in the unique position to offer advice on what to do—and most important, what not to do. That person can help you develop the right questions to ask and advise you on your career plan.
6. Deliver Results Whatever the task, you must be prepared to deliver results and work to develop a reputation for doing so. Reputations are built early in a career, and once built, they are hard to change.